Canada hosts Iran in an international friendly on June 5, prior to a CONCACAF Nations League match against Curaçao on June 9. They’ll then travel to Honduras for a second Nations League match on June 13.
The list of players on Canada’s roster includes our country’s top men’s soccer star, Alphonso Davies.
Davies hasn’t suited up for the national team since November 16, 2021, in Edmonton, after suffering from myocarditis beginning in January.
“These are three opportunities to take steps forward with this group of players in preparation for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar,” said Canada’s head coach John Herdman. “Every minute together is crucial as we prepare to work collectively to give us the best chance to perform against some of the world’s best on the biggest stage.”
Every match Canada plays between now and November is a tune-up for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Ranked No. 21 in the world, Iran should pose a tough test for the 38th-ranked Canadians.
“There isn’t a minute that can be wasted in this moment. Our group of players that competed across 20 matches as part of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers created a foundation of trust, belief, and confidence in each other, so bringing them together and continuing to find that next level will be key to our success in Qatar.”
On an individual level, these matches are also a test for the players to prove they belong on the squad that gets picked for Qatar.
“There are some areas in the team that we would like to strengthen prior to Qatar,” said Herdman. “We are looking to assess specific profiles of players that can contribute to our tactical approach against tier-one opponents.”
- GK- Milan Borjan | SRB / FK Crvena zvezda (Red Star Belgrade)
- GK- Maxime Crépeau | USA / Los Angeles FC
- GK- Dayne St. Clair | USA / Minnesota United FC
- CB- Doneil Henry | USA / Los Angeles FC
- CB- Scott Kennedy | GER / SSV Jahn Regensburg
- CB- Kamal Miller | CAN / CF Montréal
- CB- Steven Vitória | POR / Moreirense FC
- FB- Samuel Adekugbe | TUR / Hatayspor FC
- FB- Alistair Johnston | CAN / CF Montréal
- FB- Richie Laryea | ENG / Nottingham Forest FC
- M- Raheem Edwards | USA / LA Galaxy
- M- Stephen Eustáquio | POR / FC Porto
- M- Atiba Hutchinson | TUR / Beşiktaş JK
- M- Mark-Anthony Kaye | USA / Colorado Rapids
- M- Jonathan Osorio | CAN / Toronto FC
- M- Samuel Piette | CAN / CF Montréal
- F- Charles-Andreas Brym | NED / FC Eindhoven
- F- Tajon Buchanan | BEL / Club Brugge KV
- F- Lucas Cavallini | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- F- Jonathan David | FRA / Lille OSC
- F- Alphonso Davies | GER / FC Bayern München
- F- David Junior Hoilett | ENG / Reading FC
- F- Luca Koleosho | ESP / RCD Espanyol
- F- Cyle Larin | TUR / Beşiktaş JK
- F- Iké Ugbo | FRA / ES Troyes AC
Source: Daily Hive